With everything going on in the world right now, it is easy to find things to complain about. Between politics, co-workers, and countless other things, there is plenty of thing to complain about. It isn't uncommon to see nothing but complaints on social media like Facebook or Twitter.
As followers of Christ, the Bible says that we are to "do everything with out complaining" (Philippians 2:14), the reason why is simple. The more we focus on negatives, the more that is all we see. Eventually, you get to the point where all you see is the negatives, and never the positives.
If you find yourself complaining about something involving politics or paying your bills, whether in person or online, what should you do instead? The Bible has an answer for that. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2) Yes, there are a lot of hardships and difficulties right now, but by resisting complaining about them, we will be able to see how God wants to bless us through them.
So what is a follower of Christ to do? First, trust that God has a plan for you, and anything that you are going through is part of that plan. You and I might not see how anything good can come of something, but God can.
Second, instead of complaining about others, try complimenting or encouraging them instead. The Bible says that we are to "not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up" (Ephesians 4:29). The more we build up one another, the easier it becomes for them to also focus on the positives and not the negatives.
Third, pray. Instead of complaining about something, give it to God. Ask Him to help you through the situation or with the person or people you don't like. He can help you see the good, no matter how bad things are. Remember, God knows exactly what we are going through, and He will never leave us or forsake us. Bring your difficulties to Him and trust that He can provide everything you need during these times.
Pastor Ryan Canaday